An Egyptian economic delegation headed by the Egyptian Minister of Economy and Foreign Trade, Dr. Yusuf Butrus Ghali, will visit Baghdad on the April 27th, Al-Hayat newspaper reported. Comprised of 40 Egyptian business representatives and 3 heads of Egyptian holding companies, the delegation will discuss issues related to the "oil for food" agreements signed with Iraq, and in particular, ways to expand Egypt's role.

Dr. Ghali will also open an exhibition of Egyptian products, which will be held in Baghdad between April 30 to May 7. More than 100 Egyptian firms from various fields will participate, including: Engineering, Chemistry, Agriculture, Textiles, Food, Pharmaceuticals, Mining, and Construction.

Mr. Glal Gharib, a delegation member and head of an Egyptian pharmaceutical company, commented that the Minister will hold talks with his Iraqi counterpart, Muhammad Mhedi Salih, on strengthening Egyptian participation in the "oil for food " deal. The initial agreement involved food and pharmaceuticals supplies, but Mr. Gharib mentioned that previous Egyptian involvement was minimal and was not connected to the political and economic relations between the two nations.